By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Following a 40-minute executive session Thursday night, the Henry Co. Schools board of education formally voted to dismiss long-time High School Choral Director Blair Chadwick. The board voted unanimously for Chadwick’s immediate dismissal.
Chadwick was on hand for the meeting, but did not say anything during the public portion of the meeting. He shook hands with board members after the meeting.
Chadwick reportedly was dismissed due to ‘inappropriate’ communication with students, although no reason for the dismissal was given during the public portion of the meeting.
Sheriff Monte Belew confirmed to WENK/WTPR on Wednesday that the sheriff’s office is conducting an investigation into the situation, “but no criminal acts have been uncovered. But the investigation is continuing.”
Chadwick had been director of the High School Madrigals, which have been making their recent appearances without a faculty director. As WENK/WTPR reported earlier, Rev. Kenneth Humphreys, who was instrumental in the formation of the Madrigals, reportedly is now filling in until a choral director is hired.
In other business during the lengthy meeting:
–Following a motion by Board Member Josh Frey, the board approved the low base bid of $530,000 for the fieldhouse expansion project which will allow the district to have enough money to complete the concession/bathroom project.
A second bid of some $765,000 was considered way too high by board members.
Frey’s motion was the recommendation of the facilities and grounds committee, which met Tuesday.
Dr. Norton noted the two bids “were two very different bids” and that the larger bid contained more parking spaces on the east side of the building. “We could save the $265,000 without the parking”, Norton noted.
In response to a question from Board President Jill Coker, Frey said there are plenty of parking spaces without the additional spots covered in the larger bid. “If we take the bigger bid, we wouldn’t be able to do the concession stand and the bathrooms and I’d say 90 percent of the complaints I get are that there aren’t enough bathrooms.”
Board Member James McCampbell objected to the costs, but voted yes. “This is ridiculous, this cost per square feet. No one would go along with this for ourselves. The only way I go along with this is because it includes the concessions and the bathrooms. I know things are changing. I’m still in 1982. But I hope we don’t get into the same scenario when the last bid comes in.”
–Ten faculty members were granted tenure by the board. They were presented with a gift and will receive $500 stipends. Norton said, “I love this time of year because we’re able to recognize a group of faculty who have achieved this milestone.”
The ten are: Colby Prosser, Sandy Lambert, John Thomas Hinson, Megan Check, Katie Hernandez, Shay Armstrong, Allison Smith, Jessica Lemons, Mercedes Spencer, and Barry Baker.
–The school calendar was approved which shows first day of school, August 2 and last day of school May 22. Other dates are: fall break, October 14-18; Thanksgiving Nov. 27-29; Christmas break, Dec. 23-January 2; spring break March 23-27; and graduation day May 15.
–Kate Coffield was recognized as the Patriot Pride Christmas Card winner.
Allison Smith receives her gift from Board President Jill Coker. Smith was one of 10 faculty given tenure.
Kate Coffield shows her design for the Patriot Pride Christmas Card.
Top photo: Board members consider agenda items; Blair Chadwick at left. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
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